Would and want.../ The difference

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi all of you. What is the difference between the following sentences:

  • He decided then he would never see his wife again.
  • He decided then he never wanted to see his wife again.

I know that this one is correct: ‘I decided I would never do something like that again.’

I know there’s probably a difference, but what is it? Oh those damned mod. aux. Believe it’s big problem for me in Dutch and French too.

Would you please have a look at it? Thanks in advance.

@Alan, @Anglophile, @NearlyNapping, @Arinker, @Torsten.

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2

“He decided” is important here.
He has made a decision not to see his wife and it’s implied that he will do - or not do - something to ensure this.

He simpy doesn’t want to see her. There’s no indication that he’s doing anything about it.

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3

The first sentence (would) is a half conditional. The implication is ‘if he had any choice in the matter’.
The second sentence (wanted) is a clear expression of his personal choice.

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4

My two cents.

In No.1, the fact is that he is determined not to see his wife ever again.
In No.2, the possibility of his being constrained to see his wife later cannot be ruled out.

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